Have your say on improving family safety for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children

Public consultation is now open to inform the development of the first National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Family Safety Plan (Family Safety Plan).

We are working in partnership with the First Nations National Plan Steering Committee and SNAICC - National Voice for our Children(Opens in a new tab/window) in seeking the perspectives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, community members and organisations, and the broader service sector to help address the rates of gender-based violence in communities.

Optional questions to guide the submissions are solutions-focused to ensure that First Nations voices are front and centre of our national policy. The questions include:

1. What are the key priorities and actions the Family Safety Plan should focus on to create real and sustainable change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families?
2. If there were no barriers, how would your community address family, domestic and sexual violence?
3. What does culturally appropriate and holistic service provision look and feel like?
4. How can governments and mainstream services best support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people (including workforce and clients), services and salutation?
5. How should the service system respond to the intersectional needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities?

The development of the Family Safety Plan builds on previous engagement to inform the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Action Plan 2023-2025, released in August 2023.

Consultation has been extended and closing soon on 4 November at 11:59 pm, AEDT (Australian Eastern Daylight Saving Time).

To share your views and experience, you can also upload a written or audio submission(Opens in a new tab/window)

More information

Visit National Plan to End Gender Based Violence for more information about the National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022-2032 and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Action Plan 2023-2025.

Feeling worried or no good? 13YARN(Opens in a new tab/window) (13 92 76) offers a safe space to yarn, without shame or judgement. Speak to a 13YARN Crisis Supporter 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

If you or someone you know is experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, domestic, family or sexual violence, call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit 1800RESPECT(Opens in a new tab/window) for online chat and video call services. This service is free, confidential and available 24 hours a day.

If you are concerned about your behaviour, call the Men’s Referral Service on 1300 766 491 or visit No to Violence(Opens in a new tab/window) for judgement-free support.